How to spot a yachting job scam

It's unfortunate that I have to write something like this, but with the increasing prevalence of yachting job scams, it is more important than ever to be aware of how you can stay safe.

Where are the scammers operating?

Mostly on Facebook groups catering to yacht crew, but also recently via yachting specific WhatsApp groups. The reason for this is due to the lack of checks and balances about who is admitted to these groups and also the difficulty of verifying profiles. This isn't new, but there has certainly been an increase over the last few years.

The most common tactic is for scammers to reach out to you via your application on Facebook/WhatsApp/Telegram or IG post and congratulate you on making it through to an interview. Some can also offer you a job immediately which should be your first red flag.

Be cautious of any video interview where the interviewer doesn't also have their camera on and/or asks for outlandish things such as changing into a different outfit during the interview. (Yes, believe it or not, this has happened to a few female crew I spoke with).

What do scammers want from you?

Simply, they are trying to make money from you in any number of ways.

1. Asking you to pay a fee for - Visas, Uniform deposits, Seaman's discharge books, using their preferred travel agent and/or visa agent.

2. Selling your personal data - bank account info, passport info etc.

   
   

Most common are scams like the one below:

The crew member was asked to submit their CV, STCW, ENG-1 (which is pretty standard) as well as a 2 minute video stating why they were a good fit for the position.

After submitting all of this, they congratulated him and asked him to apply for a Seaman's discharge book (via a link they provided).

Scammers are getting more and more creative even resorting to AI to generate contracts that look legitimate these days.

So with all of this going on, how can you make sure you're safe?

1. Work with reputable crew agencies

2. Ask for a copy of the yacht's registration documents (scammers won't have access to this).

3. Don't pay for any of the above mentioned items.

4. Trust your gut - if something feels off, it generally is.

5. Speak with someone in yachting you trust to review contracts or communications.

6. Check Facebook groups for people posting questions about the vessel or people you are in contact with.

7. Research the vessel and location of the yacht you are being offered a job on. Often, the boat isn't even in the same hemisphere you're being told you need to join.

As with any industry, there is no shortage of bad actors who will prey on the fact that crew are desperate to find work. Keep your wits about you, and when in doubt, feel free to reach out. We'll do whatever we can to help make sure you don't get scammed.

Be safe out there, best of luck to you all!